Save the club parties

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Logo of the citizens' initiative Save the club festivals

Rettet die Vereinfeste (“RDV” for short) is a non-partisan citizens' initiative that originated in Burgenland . It was formed in May 2015 as a result of a wave of advertisements against club festivals in eastern Austria and advocates more club- friendly regulations and more legal security for volunteers . The initiator is Sascha Krikler from the ranks of the young ÖVP , supporters include associations , clubs and parties from the most varied of camps. In addition to a Facebook page with around 8,500 supporters and an online petition , which 7,404 people signed (with which the Burgenland hurdle for referendums , which is 6000), a resolution with a 10-point catalog of demands was successfully generated. This started a nationwide debate. In April 2016, a press conference followed in Vienna with 15 representatives from volunteer organizations from various fields. In July 2016, the Austrian National Council finally passed extensive new regulations for volunteers, and there were additional support measures, especially in Burgenland. Since this success, the initiative has continued to campaign for the concerns of the clubs.

background

The citizens' initiative is a reaction to a flood of advertisements by the alliance of Austrian gastronomy against club festivals in the easternmost federal states, which particularly affected Lower Austria and Burgenland. The difficult legal situation put youth organizations and associations in particular into distress, led to the criminalization of numerous volunteers and to increasing social damage in rural areas . As a result, there were numerous cancellations of events by many associations and winegrowers due to the complex legal situation, which was not compatible with the realities of life in many villages. The planned additional burden of a cash register obligation aggravated the situation further. The citizens' initiative was founded in May 2015 as a result of a complaint against the youth festival “Mai Beat” in Jois by the brothers Christoph and Sascha Krikler, who also acts as initiator and spokesman. This criticized the flood of advertisements and the general suspicion against volunteers, which threatens the club to die. After the initiative was initially active in Burgenland, it increasingly expanded its radius of action to other federal states in order to “wake up” them - together with other supporters of the volunteer organizations - and thus achieve corresponding changes in the law.

Actions

As a first step, a Facebook page was set up, which mobilized several thousand supporters within a very short time. Initially, the initiative was mainly active in Burgenland. An online petition followed in August 2015, which 7,404 people had signed by January 2016. This clearly exceeded the symbolic referendum hurdle for Burgenland, which is 6,000. With press releases and targeted support campaigns by various representatives of the company, including, above all, youth representatives from a wide variety of areas, the topic was increasingly brought into the public eye. These included mainly young politicians from the ranks of the ÖVP , SPÖ and FPÖ , sports associations and youth organizations . In spring, a resolution with a concrete 10-point catalog of demands was presented, which was disseminated throughout Austria and passed by numerous local councils and association boards. Apart from Burgenland, this was particularly well received in Upper Austria . At the end of April 2016, the citizens' initiative organized a larger press conference with 15 different larger volunteer associations from all over Austria, at which the federal government was called upon to act. Even if Rettet die Vereinfeste had largely achieved its goal with the comprehensive changes to the law in 2016, the platform continued to campaign for the outstanding claims and additional improvements in the interests of the associations.

Demands and changes in the law

The citizens' initiative created a 10-point catalog of demands, which was packaged in a resolution and handed over with the signatures to the main responsible Federal Ministry of Finance . This briefly contained the following points: redefinition of the non-profit status, service contact point with legal advice, representation of interests for volunteers, support and protection measures for volunteer support, opportunities for cooperation between clubs and hosts, legalization of internal club activities (e.g. Christmas parties), no cash register obligation at club celebrations, Increase in tax allowances, a general simplification of the legal situation and more legal security for club officials.

FJ regional chairman Konstantin Langhans, RDV initiator Sascha Krikler, LBL youth representative Simon Gartner in summer 2016

Achievement of important goals in 2017

In the spring of 2016, the Burgenland Landtag passed the first measures at the provincial level. In June 2016, the Austrian federal government then followed up with a comprehensive relief package for volunteers and hosts, which fulfilled the central requirements of the initiative. The latter commented on the change in the law as a “victory of reason” and a “triumph of active civil society over the lobby of the commercial envy society”, which indirectly criticized some reform opponents from the Austrian Chamber of Commerce . After further resolutions at the state level, initiator Sascha Krikler saw the Burgenland essentially as having “achieved”. In doing so, however, he again complained about the "scapegoat policy at the expense of volunteering" by parts of the Chamber of Commerce and demanded the installation of a representation of interests for clubs and associations.

In the summer of 2017, the demand for a "conference of volunteers" was renewed at federal and state level, which from the point of view of the citizens' initiative is important in order to make voluntary work sustainable for the future. This should be convened at least once a year by the federal or state government and offer the associations a platform for common interests and concerns. The idea was also supported by the Burgenland People's Party , which, in the course of a joint press conference with the association initiative, called for further strengthening of the association. In December 2017, the Burgenland Governor Hans Niessl presented a contact point for the associations in the easternmost federal state under an ombudsman who is available for all organizational and legal questions. This step was welcomed by the citizens' initiative and a further key requirement was thus met.

Other goals

In 2018, the provincial government of Burgenland proclaimed the "Year of Volunteering". In this context, initiator Krikler made a few further suggestions to make the volunteers' work easier. These suggestions for improvement include club days at schools, the introduction of a voluntary TÜV with a state advisory board or a sales tax exemption for fire brigades , especially for expensive purchases. In the summer of 2019, the initiative urged clearer regulations with regard to the internal freedom of association for the protection of non-smokers and defended the exemption clauses for associations, for example at the cash register. At the end of 2019, on the “International Volunteer Day”, the FCG youth team called for a “7-point catalog of demands” to support the coming federal government more on voluntary work. The association initiative welcomed the plans for volunteering and association in the turquoise-green government program, which was presented in January 2020. Among other things, it also includes some demands from “Save the club festivals”, including the establishment of a coordination, advice and service point for volunteers - a central core demand so far. In an interview with the online medium Ligaportal, RDV initiator Krikler commented on the government's plans. He also called for a strengthening of the sport and club system through legally anchored and certified sports community councils, following the example of youth or environmental community councils at the local level in Austria.

Corona crisis 2020

The restrictions in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic in Austria also led to an event ban , which poses enormous challenges for the entire club system. There is a risk of financial difficulties, for example due to a loss of income or cancellation costs. In this context, the initiative Rettet die Vereinfeste demands that no non-profit association be left behind. The range of those affected is wide, it affects fire brigades as well as youth or music clubs, for example. According to the citizens' initiative, there is a risk of lasting damage to the club culture. A corresponding aid package is intended to prevent volunteers from having to be confronted with personal liability. In this context, initiator Krikler once again calls for a federal service point to support non-profit associations. In mid-May, the federal government finally presented a 700 million euro aid package for clubs, which is intended to cover their costs. The club initiative sees this as an important basis for maintaining the club culture in Austria and noted that it was crucial that the coronavirus-related support reached those affected in good time.

support

Press conference with representatives from 15 different volunteer associations in Vienna

The initiative was supported by a wide range of different associations, clubs and parties. Especially committed young people form the core movement of the platform. There was great solidarity in particular within the Burgenland sports and youth associations and the state parliament parties , including above all the ÖVP state manager Christoph Wolf or the FPÖ state governor Johann Tschürtz and the SPÖ district youth officer Bernd Strodl. The persuasion work of the People's Party of Burgenland within the governing party ÖVP is an important cornerstone for the Austria-wide relief package. In Burgenland, in addition to the State Youth Forum, the larger sports associations in particular supported the club initiative, such as the Burgenland Football Association , the Sports Union or the ASVÖ . Important supporters were also the then Federal Minister Sebastian Kurz , the former JVP General Secretary Stefan Schnöll , the SJÖ Federal Chair Julia Herr and the Viennese NEOS representative Christoph Wiederkehr . In addition to the broad alliance of Burgenland, numerous personalities from other countries also sponsored the actions of the citizens' initiative, such as the Vienna ÖVP regional chairman Gernot Blümel , the Vienna JVP regional chairman Nico Marchetti or the Upper Austrian FPÖ federal councilor Michael Raml . Apart from the easternmost federal state, there were a number of important state organizations, especially in Upper Austria, which actively supported the initiative, including the Upper Austrian Football Association and the ASKÖ . With the support of the Tyrolean Football Association , the Tyrolean club officials launched the "the ball rests" campaign, which campaigned for a change in the law on the sports fields. Its initiators were present at the big press conference of Rettet die Vereinfest in Vienna. At the federal level also especially youth organizations were the driving forces behind movement, which is why, among other things, the National Youth Council , the Socialist Youth , the Young People's Party , the ring Libertarian Youth , the Student Union , the Mittelschüler-Kartellverband , the Action Committee or the Catholic youth the Platform supported. After a joint press conference with 15 representatives from various voluntary associations , the pressure for more club-friendly regulations was increased enormously from May 2016 by state governors such as Erwin Pröll or Wilfried Haslauer . The President of the Association of Municipalities also spoke out in favor of a change in the law and against the "bureaucratic hurdles" and called for the federal government to give in.

Web links

Individual evidence

  1. ↑ 7,404 signed petition to save the club festivals by APA editorial staff in: Burgenländische Volkszeitung from June 12, 2016; accessed on September 23, 2016.
  2. ^ Finance loosens the law for village life by Thomas Sendlhofer in: Kurier from June 21, 2016; accessed on September 23, 2016.
  3. ^ Initiative for club celebrations satisfied by ORF editorial staff in: ORF Burgenland from August 31, 2016; accessed on September 23, 2016.
  4. ^ Initiative Rettet die Vereinfeste wants adjustments to APA editorial in: Kurier from April 26, 2016; accessed on October 23, 2018.
  5. ^ From for many cellar lane festivals by Jürgen Zahrl, Wolfgang Atzenhofer, Gilbert Weisbier in: Kurier of March 2, 2016; Retrieved September 26, 2016.
  6. ↑ Jois: “Aktion Rettet die Vereinfeste” by NÖN editorial staff in: Burgenländische Volkszeitung from June 12, 2015; accessed on September 24, 2016.
  7. ↑ Initiative “Save the club festivals” is expanded by Charlotte Titz in: district sheets of October 19, 2015; accessed on September 23, 2016.
  8. ↑ 7,400 signatures for club parties from ORF editorial staff in: ORF Burgenland from February 12, 2016; accessed on September 24, 2016.
  9. ↑ 7,404 people signed the petition of the citizens' initiative “Save the club festivals” in: CCM-TV of February 12, 2018; accessed on October 7, 2018.
  10. ↑ State youth forum & political parties support "Save the club festivals" by Charlotte Titz in: district papers of September 22, 2015; accessed on September 23, 2016.
  11. ↑ Petition for club festivals to become "Burgenland export hit" by APA editorial staff in: Der Standard of March 8, 2016; accessed on September 24, 2016.
  12. ↑ Our clubs under fire in: Wochenblick in April 11, 2016; accessed on March 8, 2019.
  13. ↑ "Save the club festivals" by APA editorial team in: Der Standard from April 26, 2016; accessed on September 23, 2016.
  14. ↑ Initiative to save the clubs sees goals in Burgenland achieved by APA editorial in: Tiroler Tageszeitung from August 31, 2016; accessed on October 23, 2018.
  15. ↑ Interview with RDV initiator Krikler: Rebellion of the clubs was successful! in: ligaportal.at from January 6, 2017; accessed on October 23, 2018.
  16. ↑ 10-point catalog of demands from Rettet die Vereinsfeste in: Rettet die Vereinfeste from June 2016; accessed on September 24, 2016.
  17. ↑ Save the clubs / Krikler: "Victory of reason - Austria is becoming more club-friendly!" from RDV in: OTS from June 2016; accessed on September 24, 2016.
  18. ^ Associations: Initiative has achieved its goal by Alexandra Bäck in: TIPS Burgenland from September 1, 2016; accessed on September 24, 2016.
  19. ↑ initiative "Save the club parties" demands "Conference of volunteers" by Christian Uchann in: meinbezirk.at of 21 June 2017; accessed on October 31, 2017.
  20. ^ Association festivals: "Conference of Volunteers" by ORF editorial staff in: ORF Burgenland from June 21, 2017; accessed on October 31, 2017.
  21. ↑ New ombudsman for associations from ORF Redaktion in: ORF Burgenland from December 4, 2017; accessed on October 7, 2018.
  22. ↑ Sports and club ombudsman for Burgenland set up in: CCM-TV of December 4, 2017; accessed on October 7, 2018.
  23. ↑ Association initiative calls for measures for volunteers in: CCM-TV from March 26, 2018; accessed on October 7, 2018.
  24. ↑ Smoking ban also hits Christoph Miehl's clubs in: Kronen Zeitung from July 8, 2019; accessed on July 18, 2019.
  25. ↑ At tent festivals, clubs and hosts work without a cash register by Fritz Pessl in: Salzburger Nachrichten of July 18, 2019; accessed on July 18, 2019.
  26. ↑ FCG youth and club initiative call for more support for voluntary work from Christian trade unionists in: OTS from December 5, 2019; accessed on March 30, 2020.
  27. ↑ RDV: Federal government plans service point for volunteers of Rettet die Vereinfeste in: OTS from 10 January 2020; accessed on March 30, 2020.
  28. ↑ Interview with RDV initiator Krikler: “Austria needs sports community councils ” in: ligaportal.at from February 17, 2020; accessed on March 30, 2020.
  29. ↑ Coronavirus: Initiative calls for aid package for voluntary associations from APA Editor in: Oberösterreichisches Volksblatt from April 7, 2020; accessed on May 3, 2020.
  30. ↑ Coronavirus: Help for voluntary associations requested by ORF editorial staff in: ORF Burgenland from April 8, 2020; accessed on May 23, 2020.
  31. ↑ Corona: Many clubs are struggling with the finances of the editorial department in: Kronen Zeitung from April 14, 2020; accessed on May 3, 2020.
  32. ↑ Initiative "Save the club festivals": "No non-profit association may be left behind" by the editorial staff in: Bezirksblätter dated April 8, 2020; accessed on May 3, 2020.
  33. ↑ The support package for clubs is fixed in: ligaportal.at from May 14, 2020; accessed on May 14, 2020.
  34. ↑ Government makes 700 million euros for clubs loose by editorial in: Today from May 13, 2020; accessed on May 14, 2020.
  35. ↑ LH Deputy Tschürtz: “In the shadow of the refugee crisis, Austria is threatened with death by associations” by FPÖ Burgenland in: FPÖ Burgenland from December 1, 2015; accessed on September 24, 2016.
  36. ^ "Austria threatens a social super-GAU" from Rettet die Vereinfeste in: OTS from April 26, 2016; accessed on February 27, 2019.
  37. ↑ "People's Party Burgenland fights for Austria's associations" in: CCM-TV from January 22nd, 2016; accessed on October 8, 2018.
  38. ^ Association-friendly regulations demanded by Walter Klampfer in: Bezirksblätter from December 21, 2015; accessed on October 8, 2018.
  39. ^ Citizens' initiative: Debate about club parties by Tanja Beck and Birgit Böhm-Ritter in: BVZ from May 11, 2016; accessed on October 8, 2018.
  40. ↑ RDV entry in FB on January 26th, 2016 of Rettet die Vereinfeste in: Facebook of January 26th, 2016; accessed on February 27, 2019.
  41. ↑ RDV entry in FB on November 4th, 2015 of Rettet die Vereinfeste in: Facebook of November 4th, 2015; accessed on February 27, 2019.
  42. ↑ Initiative for club festivals: Support from Vienna by NÖN Editor in: Burgenländische Volkszeitung from January 21, 2016; accessed on October 6, 2016.
  43. ↑ For many associations, cash registers are still taboo by OÖN editorial staff in: Oberösterreichische Nachrichten of February 18, 2016; accessed on October 6, 2016.
  44. ^ Uprising against the flood of laws for associations in Upper Austria by the Austrian editorial staff in: Österreich (newspaper) from February 2, 2016; accessed on October 8, 2018.
  45. ^ "The ball is resting" - no to Manfred Hassl's cash register obligation in: Bezirksblätter dated April 27, 2016; accessed on October 8, 2018.
  46. ^ "Tracking Panama Papers" by Daniela Kittner in: Kurier of April 26, 2016; accessed on September 24, 2016.
  47. ↑ The black shadow war over the cash registers from NZZ Editor in: Neue Zürcher Zeitung of May 7, 2016; accessed on November 21, 2017.
  48. ^ Associations: Taxes on social super-GAU to by APA editorial in: Die Presse from May 26, 2016; accessed on November 21, 2017.